Gluten-Free Vegan Options at Coffee Chains

🔍 Coffee Chain Safety Guide

🚩 Gluten/Dairy Red Flags:

• Oat milk (unless certified GF – most chains use Oatly Barista which is GF, but verify)
• Flavored syrups (some contain gluten-derived ingredients or dairy)
• Blended drinks (risk of cross-contact from shared blenders)
• Pastries (even vegan options typically contain gluten)

✔ Essential Questions to Ask:

1. “Do you have a dedicated GF blender?” (For frappes/smoothies)
2. “Is your oat milk certified gluten-free?”
3. “Are any syrups processed with wheat or barley?”
4. “Can you use a clean steam wand for my milk?”

🌱 Gluten-Free Vegan Options by Chain

1. Starbucks ☕

Safe Orders:

• Black Coffee or Espresso
• Iced Passion Tango Tea (unsweetened)
• Coconut Milk Latte
• Matcha Latte (sub coconut milk, no classic syrup)

⚠️ Warnings:

• Frappuccino base contains gluten
• Pumpkin Spice Syrup contains dairy

Pro Tip: Bring your own GF vegan syrup (like Torani)

2. Dunkin’ Donuts 🍩

Safe Orders:

• Black Coffee
• Cold Brew with almond milk
• Blueberry Iced Tea (unsweetened)

⚠️ Warnings:

• Oat milk contains gluten
• All food items contain gluten

3. Peet’s Coffee 🌿

Safe Orders:

• Cold Brew with soy milk
• Matcha Latte (almond milk, no honey)
• Jasmine Green Tea

⚠️ Warnings:

• Oat milk not GF
• Pastries all contain gluten

4. Tim Hortons 🍁

Safe Orders:

• Black Coffee
• Steeped Tea
• Almond Milk Latte

⚠️ Warnings:

• Oat milk not GF
• No GF food options

5. Caribou Coffee 🦌

Safe Orders:

• Cold Press Coffee
• Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
• Peppermint Herbal Tea

⚠️ Warnings:

• Syrups may contain gluten
• Oat milk not GF

📌 Ordering Tips

✔ Stick to basic black coffee or plain tea for lowest risk
✔ Mobile order with allergy notes when possible
✔ Politely request clean equipment preparation

🔔 Critical Reminder

Coffee chains pose high cross-contamination risk. When in doubt:

• Choose the simplest preparation
• Verify ingredients with staff
• Consider bringing your own GF creamer

Which coffee chain should we cover next? Tag #GFVeganCoffee!

📚 Sources & References

1. Starbucks Allergen Menu (2023)
2. Dunkin’ Allergen Information Guide
3. Peet’s Coffee Nutrition Information
4. Tim Hortons Allergen Statement
5. Caribou Coffee Dietary Restrictions Guide
6. Gluten Intolerance Group (GFCO Certification Standards)
7. Celiac Disease Foundation Dining Out Recommendations

Note: Always verify current ingredients with staff as formulations may change.